What's the lowest score ever on the ACT?
Asked by: Kayleigh Conroy I | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)
The lowest possible composite score on the ACT is a 1, though scores in this range are highly uncommon. The ACT consists of four sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each scored on a scale of 1 to 36.
What is the lowest ACT score ever?
The lowest possible score you can get is a 1, although it's very rare to score that low. Each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) are scored individually on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these four section scores (rounded to the nearest whole number).
Is a 13 on ACT good?
A score of 13 on the ACT is indeed below average, as the national average is around 21. However, don't stress too much - it's essential to focus on improving your score moving forward.
Has anyone ever gotten a 1 on the ACT?
The absolute minimum ACT score you can get is a 1, although this is very unlikely to happen. You might be more worried about getting a score high enough to get into college.
Is an 16 ACT score failing?
A 16 ACT score is considered to be in the lower percentile range for most colleges and universities. To give you a perspective, an ACT score of 16 puts you at the 28th percentile nationally, meaning that you've scored higher than 28% of all ACT takers.
What is the lowest score for Act?
Is 14 a bad ACT score?
Scores below a 15 on the ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with a great GPA or an outstanding college application. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.
Is 1200 a good ACT score?
For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...
How rare is a 27 on the ACT?
What percentile is a 27 ACT score? A 27 ACT score puts you at the 85th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 85% of test takers.
Is a 3 on the ACT bad?
3 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1509 schools with this score.
What is the lowest ACT score Harvard has accepted?
While Harvard doesn't have a specific minimum ACT score for admission, the middle 50% of accepted students typically have scores between 33 and 35. This means that 25% of admitted students may have scores below this range, and 25% above this range.
Is a 7 on the ACT bad?
The average (mean) ACT writing score is between 6 and 7 (6.3), according to the ACT organization. However, different colleges may have different standards for a good writing score. Generally, a score of 8 or higher is above average (90th percentile), and a score of 10 or higher is excellent (99th percentile).
How rare is a 33 on the ACT?
A 33 ACT score puts you at the 98th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 98% of test takers.
Is 11 a bad ACT score?
ACT Test Score Ranges
Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.
Is 17 a bad ACT score?
A 17 on the ACT falls in the lower range of scores, specifically in the 30th percentile nationally. While this score may not be competitive at more selective colleges, there are still many colleges and universities that accept students with a score in this range.
Can you get a 0 on the SAT?
You cannot get a 0 on the SAT, as there is a minimum score you can receive. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Each section is scored independently on a scale of 200 to 800, with the total possible score ranging from 400 to 1600.
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
15. Level of Difficulty: Is the ACT Test Harder Than the SAT Test? In general, the tests are too similar to determine whether one test is harder than the other.
Is a 15 on the ACT OK?
A 15 on the ACT is indeed a concern when it comes to college applications, as it falls in the 28th percentile nationally. This means that 72% of test takers scored higher than you.
What ACT score is 90%?
The 90th percentile of the ACT score range is 28, which matches an SAT score range of 1300-1320. ACT scores of 30 and above and SAT scores of 1360 and up represent the top 5% of all test-takers. SAT concordances with ACT scores of 34, 35, and 36 are 1490-1520, 1530-1560, and 1570-1600 respectively.
How bad is a 13 on the ACT?
13 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1780773 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1508 schools with this score.
Can I get into Harvard with a 27 ACT?
To summarize, while there's no exact "cutoff" ACT score at Harvard, at such a selective institution you likely need to be at least in the 33-34 range to present yourself as a competitive candidate. However, even students with perfect ACT scores are not guaranteed admission.
Did Will Smith get a 1600 on the SAT?
Will Smith SAT score was a perfect 1600. A rare score few people have earned. Despite this incredible score, Will chose not to attend college, did not even enroll, and decided to pursue his career in music.
Is 950 a good SAT score?
The scoring scale runs from 400 to 1600, with the average test taker receiving a composite result between 1050 and 1100. A 950 falls in the 31st percentile, short of what most colleges and universities would like to see on applications for admission.